Erik Karlsson's career appears to be experiencing a resurgence in Pittsburgh, and his recent comments suggest a possible reason why. In a recent interview, the Penguins defenseman subtly alluded to differences in coaching styles, hinting at a disconnect with his former coach, Mike Sullivan.

Karlsson, who is playing his 1,100th NHL game, seems to have regained his confidence under the leadership of new head coach Dan Muse. When speaking about the team's improved performance, Karlsson emphasized the importance of players being put in positions to succeed based on their individual skills. He noted that the roles are starting to fall into place, and players understand what is expected of them.

However, it was one particular comment that raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about a veiled criticism of Sullivan. Karlsson stated, "You do the things you're good at, and not the things that someone tells you to do, that you can't do". This remark suggests that Karlsson felt constrained or misutilized under Sullivan's system, which may not have allowed him to fully utilize his strengths.

Last season, the Penguins underperformed, missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which led to Sullivan's departure and Muse's hiring. Karlsson himself struggled, with his performance falling short of expectations. Critics, including former Team Sweden coach Johan Garpenlov, questioned Karlsson's defensive abilities and overall impact on the team. Garpenlov even stated that he wouldn't have selected Karlsson for the 4 Nations Face-Off due to his defensive shortcomings.

Now, under Muse, Karlsson appears to be thriving. The team has started the year strong, and Karlsson is on pace for his best season as a Penguin. He credits Muse for bringing the team together and fostering a sense of belief within the locker room.

It is important to note that Karlsson's comments are indirect and do not explicitly mention Sullivan by name. However, the timing and context of his remarks strongly suggest that he is contrasting his current situation with his previous experience under Sullivan.

The situation highlights the importance of coaching styles and player-coach relationships in professional sports. A coach's ability to understand and utilize a player's strengths can significantly impact their performance and overall team success. In Karlsson's case, it appears that Muse's approach is better suited to his skill set, allowing him to play with more freedom and confidence.

As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see if the Penguins can maintain their strong start and whether Karlsson can continue his resurgence. His performance will be a key factor in the team's success, and his comments serve as a reminder of the importance of finding the right fit between players and coaches.